Sailing the Spanish coast, Rias Baxas

YOUR SAILING AREA

Rias Baxas, Spain

Begin your sailing holiday in the traditional fishing port of Vigo, home to Europe’s largest fishing fleet. An industrious port on the one hand but traditionally and culturally Spanish on the other. Wander the old city walls and soak up the historic Spanish architecture, old tavernas and traditional tapas bars before boarding Skyelark. The voyage will see a balance of exhilarating coastal sailing, secluded island exploration and visits to traditional Spanish towns.

There are four main inlets that make up the Rias Baxas with small island clusters dotted in the estuaries and bays. Glistening white sandy beaches fringed with granite boulders (like the Outer Hebrides, but warm enough to swim!) are great for walking and exploring after a morning of sailing. The whole area is a designated National Park with strict visitor policies in place, with Skyelark allocated a permit, you’ll be one of few boats anchoring on the islands under star-lit skies.

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This stretch of Spanish coast is not just for sailing and scenery, but also its culinary delights. The seafood and shellfish are some of the finest in the world, easily available and very affordable. Think langoustines, octopus, clams, even the famous goose barnacles – all washed down with the local wine. The Rias Baixas is the home of the rioja producing, Albarino. The wider region produces great Rioja in red and the lesser found white, perfect for a lazy lunch.  If seafood isn’t your thing then the area is all about local produce, be it the cured pork, organic steak or corn fed chicken – eating out here is a true pleasure.

Steeped in culture, history, architecture and tradition, there is an abundance of sweet Spanish towns to explore. Santiago de Compestella at the end of the Saint James way is just up the road-  and whilst pretty by day with historic streets, traditional Galician houses and waterfront promenades, they really come to life at night. This part of Spain is not known for mainstream tourism and the tapas is still the authentic kind, a complimentary tasty light snack to keep you alive between the odd glass of something cold whilst pacing yourself until dinner.

The days will be spent with a mixture of sailing and exploring. When we drop anchor there could be time for an active hike, a bike ride or just a gentle wander. Our nights will be a mix of quiet calm anchorages, perfect for a home cooked meal, wine appreciation, maybe some star gazing or gentle conversation. In the morning you can dive off the side, take the paddle board for an explore or join us for a morning run. Other nights we will be tied to the dock of a nice yacht club, or town marina – we will eat ashore and have the opportunity to enjoy the local hospitality.

All voyages for Skyelark

Skyelark

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop

Skyelark is a luxury Oyster 62 sailing yacht, built for elegance and speed whilst maintaining the utmost comfort for her guests both below decks and while under sail.

Designed and built as a competitive pedigree to match her beautifully drawn lines and sumptuous interior she has had many successes in ocean races and regattas.

Her sloop rig and modern design mean sailing with her can be done with just two people and she is an excellent boat to learn the ropes during your sailing holiday.

Below decks, private cabins are beautifully appointed and a well thought out layout means she is suitable for a variety of travellers; single sailors, couples or private charters of family or friends. Skyelark has a spacious saloon and a generous galley where the crew will prepare healthy and home-cooked meals after a days sailing. with full air conditioning, Webasto heating and quiet flush heads, staying abord Skyelark is more akin to a hotel than a boat!

On deck there is a large, safe and family-friendly cockpit, a lounging deck and transom seats. There is always somewhere comfortable to be, either for socialising or some quiet reflection.

A  removable bimini over the cockpit keeps the sun or the rain out, and if the weather is inclement at anchor, then a full cockpit enclosure keeps everyone snuggly warm, whilst maintaining the alfresco views.

Oyster 62’s are known to circumnavigate with young families on board or sail to the Arctic reaching 80 degrees north. Oyster 62 ‘s offer the perfect package of speed, elegance, luxury and easy, safe comfortable cruising – Skyelark is certainly one of the finest examples. She spends her summer sailing the UK, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with voyages around Scotland and the Hebrides before sailing winters in the Caribbean.

Take a look inside!

Deck plan

Life on board 

Skyelark is part of our luxury fleet and as soon as you step onboard you will feel the high quality finish and standard throughout the boat. From the comfortable cockpit seating area on deck for al fresco dining under the stars to the well appointed stateroom ensuite cabin, Skyelark’s design has been well considered to ensure luxury and comfort are at the forefront of her sailing experience.

Smooth Sailing

Fitted with all the mod-cons, guests are welcomed to get involved with the sailing of Skyelark if they wish but the easy winch system and racing rig mean she is designed to be operated with a small crew. So if sitting back and enjoying the views is top of your list, you’ll be well looked after aboard. On her expedition sailing voyages, guests are encouraged to get involved to fully experience life at sea.

Sleeping, Eating and Relaxation

All meals are cooked aboard so you can be sure to be very well fed, with both healthy and cooked choices for breakfast, delicious lunches and a varied menu of home-cooked food for dinner. Below decks, Skyelark has private twin cabins, a generous ensuite double cabin and VIP luxury double cabin for that added bit of comfort.

Read more about life onboard Skyelark here.

What’s included

• All inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• Alcohol
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket
• Use of the boats stand-up paddle-board

What’s not included

• Waterproofs
• Meals ashore
• Any flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be not more than 12miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all food and drink is included in your ticket price* *On 10 day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore to get the full Caribbean experience.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Are drinks included?

  Yes.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x Twin, 1x Double and 1x VIP cabin if req.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  3 bathrooms, all with showers.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim ashore.

Travel Planning

From: Vigo, Spain

To: Vigo, Spain

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

Getting There

The best airport from London is Santiago De Compostela (SCQ)  which has easy train and bus links (50 mins).

Alternatively Porto in Portugal is 90 mins away by road and is well served by  all major and budget airlines from all UK locations. Vigo is accessible by bus, train or taxi.  Porto itself is a great city to top and tail your trip with.